Project Leader: Dr. hab. Paweł Kordowitzki, Prof. UMK
Why are we “born to die,” and what mechanisms underlie the gradual decline of biological functions (aging) in mammals? We are currently at an exciting stage in aging research. Recent socio-economic changes have led to delayed parenthood, aligning with declining global fertility and slower population growth. As a result, there is an urgent need to increase human fertility. The aging of the female reproductive system also impacts women’s longevity. Moreover, aging ovaries provide a substrate for the development of ovarian cancer. The female reproductive system is one of the first organ systems to show age-related changes compared to other organs. However, the molecular pathways involved in oocyte aging remain largely unexplained. Difficulties conceiving and infertility are treated as taboo topics in many countries and cause significant psychological stress for those affected. Furthermore, an oocyte from an older reproductive-age woman has a higher risk of miscarriage and/or producing aneuploid offspring, such as trisomy 21, commonly known as Down syndrome. Notably, cattle represent an attractive animal model for human female fertility due to their high similarity in ovarian follicle selection, embryo division, blastocyst formation, and gestation length. Addressing this complex problem requires an interdisciplinary approach to support women and couples worldwide.
Our goal is to develop a reliable biomarker that accurately reflects oocyte quality relative to a woman’s current biological age. The strong motivation for this project stems not only from its originality and novelty but also from its interdisciplinary nature. Our research integrates medicine, genetics, animal science, biotechnology, and mathematics. The project is translational as bovine oocytes and early embryonic development are comparable to human oocytes and embryos. This project has the potential to create a breakthrough in the field by enhancing our understanding of processes leading to decreased fertility associated with reproductive aging, which is linked to overall lifespan and healthspan. The use of advanced and specialized research methods across multiple scientific disciplines will significantly expand knowledge in medicine and molecular biology.
“OVO-AGE” aims to address a highly relevant global topic that goes beyond current state-of-the-art solutions. To date, no clinically feasible techniques exist to reverse age-related oocyte dysfunction, which is of considerable clinical and biological importance, as “omne vivum ex ovo” — all life comes from an egg.
